The average Indian diet

It may be surprising to learn that the Indian diet is one of the healthiest in the world. It is thanks to food consumption being balanced and varied, with a strong focus on moderation.

Basmati Rice from Rasam

A high intake of vegetables is one of the main features of the Indian diet with vegetables forming the main part of the meal, and meat featuring more as a side dish. Plant protein also features widely, with lentils and chickpeas being some of the most commonly used ingredients.

Although Indian food is believed to be high in fat, in particular saturated fat due to the addition of ghee (clarified butter) to most dishes, this is only added in very small amounts to a limited number of dishes at the end of cooking time, and vegetable or olive oils are the main oils of choice in Rasam.

The traditional Indian diet is lower in salt than European diets due to the extensive use of herbs and spices which reduces the requirement for added salt. Basmati rice is the main staple carbohydrate found in the Indian diet, which is a low GI carbohydrate, helping to control blood sugar levels and hunger levels.

Sweet foods do of course have their place in the Indian diet, but are enjoyed again in typical Indian style, in moderation!.